[quote=investor]. . . coronado intrigues me since it is fairly isolated, is similar to my area of great falls VA, is warm and seems to have the mom and pop stores that we both like. I am hoping that my wife, born in iran, will eventually fall in love with cali and move full time there. Hopefully, my income will be in passive and portofio income, reducing my exposure to earned income taxes.[/quote]
Yes, investor, you are correct in that Coronado, for the most part, is not zoned for “chain-store” type businesses. However, it is not “isolated” by any means. For up to 3 hours per day, two of the main streets there are so clogged with military traffic that it is difficult for the locals to get across to do their own business. During the summer, Coronado hosts thousands of tourists who are parked on or within 2 blocks of the beach in front of the residents’ homes. There are several bike and pedicab rental places who rent to tourists who drive all over Coronado all day. The average properties under $1M (and some over $1M) have only 35-ft wide lots. Most of the original homes are 75+ years old and reflect this obsolescence unless they have undergone an extensive remodel (and would be priced accordingly). The parks and ferry landing are flooded with tourists and “locals” from both sides of the border. I’m not trying to “condemn” Coronado here. I love riding bikes there, too. Based on your posts though, I just don’t think it may be quite the right place for you.
investor, I am well-traveled (road) throughout the entire state. The only other areas that I can think of that would appeal to your wife would be the Marin County towns of Sausalito and Mill Valley. There has never been any outdoor advertising or chain-store type businesses allowed at all in Marin County from DAY ONE. Muir Woods and its beaches are spectacular, unspoiled and dramatic, just like your Potomac River. You can actually here a pin drop in there!
Great Falls, VA has got to be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It seems you are very fortunate, indeed. Of course you are aware that these Marin County towns are only 10-15 mins. to San Francisco via the Golden Gate Bridge. I think your wife would be very happy there!
Do you realize you can come to SD as often as you want (from SFO now) with Southwest Airlines for $100 – $110 RT, including fees/bags, with every 6th to 8th trip free?? (no “plug” intended here but me and my family members frequent that route) If you don’t need a car, flying is less expensive than buying gas!
I stand corrected in that perhaps, from an investment standpoint, you should at least consider Marin County after all for your semi-retirement.
